Sacramento County Detects First Human West Nile Virus Infection of 2013

The Sacramento detection comes just after the first case was reported in Yolo County last week.

The Sacramento County Public Health Division says the new case is “neuro-invasive,” which is a more severe manifestation of the virus, but the infection affects different people in different ways.

“Individuals with West Nile fever can often recover with any type of treatment whatsoever, they may just take some Tylenol, they may not even think they have it. Someone with neuro invasive disease, may need more extensive treatment, they may be in the hospital longer,” says Agnes Norman, a senior public health nurse for Sacramento County.

West Nile activity is intense right now in the area - but Norman says it’s typical to see human infections at this time of year.

People with compromised immune systems are at particular risk.

Aerial spraying for mosquitos may be delayed by smoky weather conditions.

Pauline Bartolone has been a journalist for more than 15 years, during which she was Capital Public Radio’s healthcare reporter from 2011-2015. Her work has aired frequently on National Public Radio. Read Full Bio